8 replies to this topic

[electricfurnace]

Bit of an odd problem I'm having with my girlfriends '97 sportpack cooper.

Basically approx a month ago the rear passenger side tyre was down to 16psi all the time. Must be a slow puncture, I though, so we had a new tyre fitted.

Thing is, it's happening again even though its a new tyre!! Pressure goes down to 16psi after a couple of weeks!

Definately no puncture, any ideas what could be causing this?! All the other tyres are fine.

Thanks
Alex

[Cooperman]

Damage or corrosion on the wheel where the bead of the tyre seats is the usual cause of this. Or just a defective valve if a new valve was not fitted when the new tyre was.

[100ev8]

take the wheel of and lay it flat and give it some soapy water around the edge , look for the bubbles !!

[rwerry]

Bit of an odd problem I'm having with my girlfriends '97 sportpack cooper.

Basically approx a month ago the rear passenger side tyre was down to 16psi all the time. Must be a slow puncture, I though, so we had a new tyre fitted.

Thing is, it's happening again even though its a new tyre!! Pressure goes down to 16psi after a couple of weeks!

Definately no puncture, any ideas what could be causing this?! All the other tyres are fine.

Thanks
Alex

Sounds like it's probably leaking round the bead. Maybe the rim's a little rusty and wasn't cleaned properly before the new tyre was fitted. If you remove the wheel and put it in a tub of water you may be able to spot air bubbles, although it sounds as though it is such a slow leak that they may not be evident. Best bet is probably to have the tyre removed and the rim thoroughly cleaned and inspected before refitting. In cases of chronic rim problems, tyre-fitters sometimes fit a tube.

[minimadjonesy]

as above, take it back and get them to refit it as they didn't seal teh bead correctly. they should do it for free

[L400RAS]

In cases of chronic rim problems, tyre-fitters sometimes fit a tube.

It is not adviseable to fit a tube in a tubless tyre. Friction between the tube an inside of hte tyre can cause it to pop...

[Barman]

Many, many years ago I remember reading of a similar thing which turned out to be a tiny perforation in the casting of the alloy wheel itself...

[GTIAlex06]

I had this problem, took it back and got the wheel grinded back a bit and cleaned and all it did was slow the effect. I just settle for checking the pressure every weekend.

[Jordie]

Come across this problem loads.

I shot blast the rims where the bead sits and paint before refitting the tyre. Never had a problem with a wheel after ive done this.

Could also be valve as previously mentioned.

Jordie